Here's My Thought on Johnson's Silver Star

General Douglas MacArthur was always one to play politics, especially should it advance his career.  And, getting a Congressman a medal surely wouldn't hurt that.

I think Lt. Robert R. Hatch probably had orders to return to base in the event any enemy planes were spotted.  It sure wouldn't do to have the life of a Congressman ended under your orders.

Unfortunately, Lt. Hatch was killed a short time later, so we will never know what he had to say about it.

Johnson got his Silver Star and MacArthur had a valuable ally in Congress.

--GreGen